Justice League

Tropic Sprockets by Ian Brockway

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Whether intentional or not, there is an abundance of super hero films solely focused on apocalyptic matters. End of the world themes are so frequent that you have to wonder if there is a smidge of political commentary.

Here in Zack Snyder’s “Justice League” the forces of truth, justice and The American Way are up against it.

Batman (Ben Affleck) is frustrated by guilt over the death of Superman (Henry Cavill) that he had a hand in, and to make matters worse, The Batman has reason to believe the world is about to be invaded by evil alien beings.

Surely this would be a job for Superman, but since he is actually absent, Batman is forced to think fast. He decides to assemble a team.

Given his resources, Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) pays him a visit and The Caped Crusader himself goes to Aquaman (Jason Momoa), and The Flash (Erza Miller). Wonder Woman attemps to enlist Cyborg (Ray Fisher) but, as first dates go, it is less than promising.

One is initially struck by the visual effect that Superman’s death has upon the world. Navy blue banners are suspended from bridges. Vast memorials are constructed from deep crimson roses, while papers invariably show Michael Jackson, Superman and David Bowie with the headline: “Did they return to their home planet?” Meanwhile, Mrs. Kent (Diane Lane) is forced into foreclosure and refuses to watch the news. If you’re wondering, Lois Lane (Amy Adams) has given up serious reporting. These beginning segments are intriguing because they reveal characters. They are human beings and not just comics material under the weight of sadness and grief. As a result, we see Superman as a real entity with a genuine personality, not mere Pop Art.

Just when momentum builds, however, the cinematic ball is dropped with trivial sundry scenes and endless battles that don’t add much to the entertainment. By midway, everything feels rote and routine. Wonder Woman spins her lasso, Batman grimaces, looking uncomfortable in his suit as his devices short out. Aquaman soars through the ocean, staring at people.

The solid actor Ezra Miller who did such excellent work in “We Need to Talk About Kevin” is reduced to acting silly and naive, discussing how hungry he is, but there is not much written for him.

The main drama is handed to Affleck and Gadot who are mildly engaging and do their best, but no one steps out of the bravado zone to really give these beings interest.

There is a compelling moment at the very beginning of the film where Superman is questioned by kids via video and asked what the best thing about America is. At first he is puzzled, at a loss for words and we see him as Kal-el, the alien that he is, then in seconds his face fills with recognition and great warmth. The beloved Man of Steel answers… but the screen goes dark. We are left to supply the answer ourselves.

In that one segment, the magic of Superman is revealed and done so well. It is a pity that by the time the bad guy is unveiled nothing is new under the cowl.

Justice deserves better.

There is a hellscape, yet another horned villain and numerous explosions with precious little pathos. In this DC edition, instead of a psychological epic of good and evil, there is a sketch of a story that feels like a coloring book, never consistently daring to venture outside its flat, easily defined lines.

Write Ian at ianfree1@yahoo.com